Aflion Blush vs. HMX Canglan V2
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX Canglan V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and the HMX Canglan V2 both stand out as excellent linear options, yet they cater to slightly different preferences. The Blush is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhanced by its longer, two-stage spring, which contributes to a satisfying and snappy feedback that many typists find appealing. Its sound profile is characterized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery, making it a great choice for those who favor a more subdued acoustic while typing. In contrast, the HMX Canglan V2 switch has garnered attention for its thocky linear feel that's both deep and resonant, crafted from a meticulous blend of materials and improved molding techniques, making it a favorite among HMX enthusiasts. This switch offers a lighter touch that, while smooth, delivers a richer sound experience that some users may prefer for a more engaging auditory feel while typing. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and sound preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and HMX Canglan V2, a notable difference exists in their top housings. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. In addition to its acoustic qualities, the polycarbonate material is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Canglan V2 uses a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition. This material tends to absorb sound, giving it a duller and rounder character. Thus, while the Blush's polycarbonate housing enhances brightness and clarity, the Canglan V2's nylon top favors warmth and richness in sound.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which is where the two devices show similarities. The nylon bottom housing in both the Blush and Canglan V2 contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile while providing a more rounded auditory experience. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, this shared material helps ensure that both switches deliver a consistent experience when pressed down. Consequently, regardless of the differences in the top housings, users will find comparable performance in terms of the bottom-out experience thanks to the nylon material's acoustic properties.
In summary, the Aflion Blush and HMX Canglan V2 cater to different auditory preferences largely due to their contrasting top housing materials, but they provide a unified experience with their nylon bottom housings. The Blush achieves a bright, responsive sound with its polycarbonate top, while the Canglan V2 relies on nylon to deliver warmth and richness. Ultimately, if users prioritize RGB aesthetics along with bright sound clarity, the Blush may be more appealing. On the other hand, those looking for a deeper, more muted sound profile may lean towards the Canglan V2. However, their equal reliance on nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches will provide a satisfying tactile feedback and bottom-out response.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch offer contrasting force characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Aflion Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is classified as medium, but its actuation force is unknown. In comparison, the HMX Canglan V2 features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it the lighter option overall. This means users who prefer less resistance when typing or gaming might find the Canglan V2 more comfortable for extended use, while those looking for a more substantial feel may lean towards the Aflion Blush due to its heavier bottom out force. However, without the actuation force for the Blush, it’s hard to make direct comparisons on the actuation aspect to determine overall typing experience similarities or differences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user’s preference for weight and typing feel, with the Canglan V2 being better suited for those who favor lighter keys.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Blush measuring 3.3 mm and the Canglan V2 slightly longer at 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. Gamers may prefer the Blush's shorter travel distance for quicker response times, enhancing their performance in fast-paced scenarios. On the other hand, the Canglan V2's longer travel distance can provide a more traditional and hearty feel, making it suitable for users who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on your preference for responsiveness versus depth, with the Blush being the shorter option and the Canglan V2 offering a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush for $4.07.
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush switch produces a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that creates a mellow auditory experience. This contributes to its poppy sound signature, which can be both satisfying and engaging for users who appreciate a more subtle auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Canglan V2 switch offers a unique deep sound signature that is characterized as "thocky," providing a rich, resonant experience that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a more pronounced acoustic feedback. Ultimately, while the Blush delivers a low-pitched pop, the Canglan V2 enhances that with its thocky resonance, making both switches enjoyable in their own right, albeit with distinct auditory characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush stands out with a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This smoothness is likely a result of its two-stage spring design and high-quality materials that minimize keystroke resistance and enhance the overall typing fluidity. Users can expect a gliding sensation across the keys, making each keystroke feel effortless. Conversely, the specifics of the feel for the Canglan V2 remain unknown, which leaves some curiosity around how it compares. Given the meticulous craftsmanship and improvements touted in its construction, it could be presumed that the Canglan V2 also offers a smooth typing experience, but further details would be necessary for a precise comparison.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blush linear switch is celebrated for its creamy and smooth feel coupled with a low-pitched pop sound, the HMX Canglan V2 switch brings a thocky character with a deep resonance that is equally appealing. If smoothness is essential, both switches may ultimately deliver satisfying results, with the Blush providing a well-defined typing experience and the Canglan V2 appealing to those who enjoy a rich acoustic quality. As a newcomer, it's worthwhile to consider personal preferences surrounding sound and feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you’re looking for in a mechanical keyboard. If you desire a switch that offers a smooth, creamy, and buttery feel coupled with a satisfying poppy sound signature, the Blush is an excellent option. Its medium actuation force of 58 grams provides a balanced resistance that can enhance your typing rhythm, making it suitable for both casual and more intense typing sessions. However, if you prefer a lighter touch with a softer actuation force of just 48 grams, then the Canglan V2 will likely be more appealing. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a thocky sound profile and a lighter typing experience, making it particularly well-suited for extended typing periods where fatigue could set in. In essence, choose the Blush for its rich, tactile feedback and poppy sound, while the Canglan V2 is ideal if you seek a smoother and lighter touch with a deeply resonant acoustic experience.
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